JP2009273190A - Interactive program guide using continuous data stream and client-server data supplementation - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interactive television program guide system in which an interactive television program guide receives program guide data using two data delivery mechanisms. <P>SOLUTION: In this interactive television program guide system, the interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment 22 obtains program guide data from the two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data are obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program data (which may include the current program guide data) are obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with program identified in the continuous data stream. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

(Background of the Invention)
The present invention relates to an interactive television program guide system, and more particularly to an interactive television program guide system in which an interactive television program guide obtains program guide data using two data distribution mechanisms.

  Cable television systems, satellite television systems, and broadcast television systems provide a number of television channels to viewers. Conventionally, a user has referred to a printed television program broadcast schedule when selecting a program to be broadcast at a specific time. More recently, interactive television program guides have been developed that allow television program information to be displayed on the user's television. Interactive television program guides are typically implemented in set-top boxes and allow users to navigate through television program listings using a remote control. In a typical program guide, various television program list items are displayed according to a predefined category or a category selected by the user. The display of program listing items is typically done in a grid or table.

  The structure of distributing program list item data to the program guide can affect the overall system operation and the hardware capacity required for the user's home. One known data distribution approach provides a continuous “trickled” data stream of program guide data to a set-top box of multiple users, typically with distribution on out-of-band channels. The program guide stores a local copy of program guide data in a continuous data stream. This approach has several advantages. Keeping a local copy of the program guide data in the set top box allows the program guide to function even when the program guide has no access to the data stream for an extended period of time. Also, program guide data can be provided to the program guide without waiting time. In addition, the program guide can filter its local channel program lineup from one national data supply, eliminating the need for multiple local data supplies.

  However, this approach requires a significant amount of memory in the set top box. If an in-band data channel is used, the program guide must tune to the channel carrying the data at regular intervals, which may prevent users from watching TV while tuning is taking place. . When out-of-band channels are used, a significant amount of time is required to initially transfer the program guide data database maintained in the set-top box.

  In known digital satellite service (DSS) systems, multiple high-speed feeds of various program guide data subsets are provided to the program guide. There are several flaws in this approach. If a significant amount of local memory is required to store data in the satellite receiver, and the program guide needs to obtain additional data from one of these supplies, the program guide or satellite reception The device must discard any data. A delay occurs when the program guide tunes to a specific supply and obtains such additional data from the specific supply. Also, fast feeds may not be formatted, so all kinds of searches and sorts can be performed on the data.

  Another type of satellite system has been proposed in which program guide data is provided to the program guide using a combination of trickle supply and high speed supply. This approach also requires a significant amount of local memory to store program guide data. Even in this system, a delay occurs when the program guide acquires data from different streams.

  In a client server based approach, all program guide data may be stored on a remote server that processes program guide data requests from multiple program guides (clients). With this approach, complex requests can be processed using high performance servers rather than price sensitive client devices. However, there may be a delay associated with accessing the server. In particular, delays can occur at peak server usage. Therefore, a delay may occur during basic operations (for example, channel change). Also, since there is no data stored locally by the program guide, the program guide will not function if the connection to the server is disconnected.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive television program guide system that allows a program guide to obtain program guide data using a plurality of data distribution mechanisms, thereby providing an amount of memory required for a user's home program guide device. And providing a robust system that minimizes waiting time when accessing program guide data.

(Summary of the Invention)
These and other objects of the present invention provide an interactive television program guide system that uses interactive program guides to obtain a continuous stream of program guide data and program guide data from a program guide server. Achieved according to the principle.

  The main facility provides program guide data to the television distribution facility. A television distribution facility provides a portion of program guide data (eg, current program list item data that may include data for the current time slot and program list items within the next few hours) to multiple program guides through a continuous data stream. To do. Each program guide is implemented on user television equipment associated with the user. The television distribution facility also stores program guide data on a program guide server and provides the stored program guide data to the program guide using a client-server configuration.

The television distribution facility also has a program identifier and a program grouping identifier (eg,
Identifiers for series, mini-series, orderable program packages, etc.) may be transmitted in a continuous data stream. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.

  This approach has several advantages over other known systems. For example, the cost of the user's television equipment may be reduced because the memory requirements of the television equipment are minimized. In addition, since there is no need to establish a connection to the remote server before obtaining the data (required in the case of a simple client-server approach), the current data that is required more frequently becomes available more quickly. By sending frequently required data as a broadcast stream, the total number of required network connections and the total amount of transmitted data can be reduced, which can significantly reduce the total load on the network associated with the television distribution facility.

  The program guide server can perform complex searches and sorts, thereby reducing the computational power required of user television equipment and reducing the burden of user television equipment performing database management tasks. In addition, by delivering program guide data using two separate data delivery mechanisms, the program guide can obtain some program guide data even if the communication line used by one delivery mechanism is disturbed. A possible and robust system can be provided.

  Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of exemplary user television equipment in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram that generalizes the components of the exemplary user television equipment of FIG. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary main menu screen that displays to the user selectable program guide options. FIG. 5a shows an exemplary display screen that displays program listings by time and channel, respectively. FIG. 5b shows an exemplary display screen that displays program listings by time and channel, respectively. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary further program information screen. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary program listing item screen by category, displaying program listings for a particular category. FIG. 8a shows an exemplary flip display that may be displayed when the user changes the channel. FIG. 8b shows an exemplary browse display that may be displayed when the user indicates an intent to browse program listings for a given time slot. FIG. 9a shows an exemplary reminder settings overlay. FIG. 9b shows an exemplary reminder confirmation overlay. FIG. 10a shows an exemplary reminder list. FIG. 10b shows an exemplary reminder list. FIG. 11a shows an exemplary pay-per-view program list item display screen. FIG. 11b shows an exemplary pay-per-view order overlay. FIG. 11c shows an exemplary pay-per-view order confirmation overlay. FIG. 11d shows an exemplary overlay where the program guide shows the user that a particular pay-per-view program is being ordered and provides the user with an opportunity to cancel the duplicate order. FIG. 11e shows an example overlay in which the program guide indicates to the user that a particular pay-per-view program has started and still provides the user with an opportunity to order that program. FIG. 12a shows an exemplary display screen in which the program guide indicates to the user that the ordered pay-per-view program starts. FIG. 12b shows an exemplary display screen in which the program guide indicates to the user that the ordered pay-per-view program starts. FIG. 13a shows an exemplary window where the program guide indicates to the user that he has missed the ordered pay-per-view program. FIG. 13b shows an exemplary window where the program guide indicates to the user that he has missed the ordered pay-per-view program. FIG. 14a shows an exemplary overlay, where the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to display this overlay and confirm the program recording. FIG. 14b shows an example overlay, where the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to display this overlay and confirm the program recording. FIG. 15a shows an exemplary viewing restriction overlay, which may be displayed by the program guide when the user indicates an intention to lock the program or access the locked program, respectively. . FIG. 15b shows an exemplary viewing restriction overlay, which may be displayed by the program guide when the user each indicates an intent to lock the program or access the locked program. . FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart of the steps involved in obtaining program guide data from two data distribution mechanisms using a program guide in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an exemplary flowchart of steps in providing program listing item data and additional program information to a user using a program guide in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an exemplary flowchart of steps in performing real-time actions related to broadcast of a program in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 19a shows an exemplary data flow diagram of three embodiments of the interactive program guide system of the present invention, where the program guide performs real-time actions based on identifiers transmitted in a continuous data stream. FIG. 19b shows an exemplary data flow diagram of three embodiments of the interactive program guide system of the present invention, where the program guide performs real-time actions based on identifiers transmitted in a continuous data stream. FIG. 19c shows an exemplary data flow diagram of three embodiments of the interactive program guide system of the present invention, where the program guide performs real-time actions based on identifiers transmitted in a continuous data stream.

(Detailed description of preferred embodiments)
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary interactive television program guide system 10 in accordance with the present invention. Main facility 12 provides program guide data from program guide data source 14 to television distribution facility 16 via communication link 18. Although there are preferably a large number of television distribution facilities 16, only one television distribution facility 16 is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. The program guide data transmitted from the main facility 12 to the television distribution facility 16 includes television program list item data (for example, broadcast time, channel, title, and details of the program) and other services other than the television program list item. Program guide data (eg, additional program information, pay-per-view order information, weather information, news information, associated Internet web links, advertising graphics, video, etc.). Program guide data also includes a unique identifier for each broadcast of each program, an identifier for a grouped program (eg, series, mini-series, orderable program package, etc.), or any other suitable identifier. obtain.

  Link 18 may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable link or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an internet link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communication link. When it is desired to transmit a video signal along with a data signal over link 18, a link with a relatively high bandwidth (eg, a satellite link) is generally a link with a relatively low bandwidth. (For example, a telephone line or the like). Television distribution facility 16 may be any suitable distribution facility (eg, cable system headend, broadcast distribution facility, satellite television distribution facility, or any other suitable type of television distribution facility). The television distribution facility 16 can distribute the program guide data received from the main facility 12 to a plurality of users through the communication path 20 using the distribution device 21.

  The distribution device 21 can be any combination of hardware and software suitable for distributing program guide data to the user television device 22. The distribution device 21 can be, for example, in the television channel sideband, in the vertical blanking period of the television channel, using an in-band digital channel, using an out-of-band digital signal, or any other suitable data transmission technology. Suitable transmission hardware for distributing program guide data using the. Also, a video signal (for example, a television program) can be provided to the user television device 22 by the distribution device 21 through the communication paths 20 on a plurality of television channels.

  Communication path 20 may be any communication path suitable for delivering program guide data as a continuous data stream and using a client-server approach. The communication path 20 may be, for example, a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable link or an optical fiber link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a data-over-cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) link, a combination of such links, or the like. Any suitable communication link may be included.

  The television distribution facility 16 may have a program guide server 25. Program guide server 25 may be based on any suitable combination of server software and hardware. Program guide server 25 may retrieve program guide data from storage device 56 in response to a program guide data request generated by an interactive television program guide implemented in user television equipment 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the program guide server 25 may include a processing circuit 54 and a storage device 56. The processing circuitry 54 may be any suitable processor (eg, a microprocessor or group of microprocessors) and other processing circuitry (eg, cache circuitry, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, input / output (I / O) circuitry, etc.). Can be included. Storage device 56 may be a memory or other storage device suitable for storing program guide data transmitted by main facility 12 to television distribution facility 16 (eg, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), Flash memory, hard disk drive, etc.). Program guide data may be stored in storage device 56 in any suitable format (eg, a Structured Query Language (SQL) database).

  The processing circuit 54 searches the requested data for program guide data stored in the storage device 56, retrieves the data, and provides the retrieved data to the distribution device 21 for distribution to the user television device 22. The request for program guide data may be processed. Alternatively, the program guide server 25 may directly transmit program guide data to the user television equipment 22. If the communication path 20 includes, for example, an Internet link, a DOCSIS link, or other high-speed computer network link (eg, 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 10BaseF, T1, T3, etc.), the processing circuit 54 is routed through such a link. Appropriate circuitry may be included for transmitting program guide data and receiving program guide data requests.

Program guide server 25 may communicate with user television equipment 22 using any suitable communication protocol. For example, the program guide server 25 may include a transmission control protocol (TCP) layer and an internet protocol (IP) layer, a sequenced packet exchange (SPX) layer and an internetwork packet exchange (IPX) layer, or any other suitable layer or A communication protocol stack including a combination of layers may be used. User television equipment 22 may also include hardware (eg, Ethernet card, modem (digital, analog or cable), etc.) suitable for communicating with program guide server 25 via communication path 20. Program guides on television equipment 22 may retrieve program guide data from program guide server 25 using any suitable client-server based approach. For example, the program guide may send an SQL request as a message to the program guide server 25. In another suitable approach, the program guide may invoke remote procedures that reside on the program guide server 25 using one or more remote procedure calls. The program guide server 25 may execute an SQL statement for such a called remote procedure. In yet another suitable approach, a client object executed by the program guide may communicate with a server object executed by the program guide server 25 using, for example, an object request broker (ORB). This communication may use, for example, the Microsoft Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) approach.

  Program guide server 25 may also store program video, video clips, or audio clips in storage device 56. Distribution of video or clips to user television equipment 22 may be done using any suitable video on demand (“VOD”) or near video on demand (“NVOD”) approach. For example, the program guide server 25 receives a video request from the user television device 22 via the communication path 20, takes out the requested video from the storage device 56, and distributes the retrieved video for distribution to the user television device 22. It can be sent to the device 21. For example, the program guide server 25 may store the video in the storage device 56 as an MPEG-2 file of a moving image specialization group (MPEG). The processing circuit 54 of the program guide server 25 may include, for example, circuitry suitable for converting stored MPEG-2 files into National Television System Committee (NTSC) video for distribution by the distribution device 21.

  In another suitable approach, the program guide server 25 may send the video directly to the user television equipment 22 via the communication path 20, for example, as an MPEG data stream. In this approach, user television equipment 22 may include hardware and software suitable for receiving and decoding MPEG data streams and displaying video to the user, for example.

  The television distribution facility 16 may have a plurality of program guide servers 25, but only one program guide server 25 is shown to avoid overcomplicating the drawing. If the television distribution facility 16 has multiple program guide servers 25, each program guide server may be assigned a different group of users, and each program guide server may process a request for the assigned group of program guide data. Alternatively, different program guide servers 25 may be responsible for processing requests for different types of program guide data for all users. For example, one program guide server 25 may process a request for program listing item information and another program guide server 25 may process a request for video. In yet another suitable approach, multiple program guide servers 25 may jointly burden the processing of requests using an appropriate dynamic load sharing approach.

  If desired, some of the program guide servers 25 associated with a particular television distribution facility are deployed at various network nodes within the distribution network for that television distribution facility (shown as communication path 20). Program guide server 25 may also be a web or other type of Internet server located outside of television distribution facility 16. In order to simplify and clarify the description, the description will proceed on the assumption that such a server is arranged in the television distribution facility 16.

  Television distribution facility 16 may also have a continuous data stream processor 71. Continuous data stream processor 71 is any combination of appropriate software and hardware that selects a portion of program guide data provided by main facility 12 as data to be inserted into a continuous data stream transmitted to user television equipment 22. Based on Although the continuous data stream processor 71 is illustrated as separate from the program guide server 25, these two systems can be integrated if desired.

  The continuous data stream processor may have, for example, processing circuitry 73 and an optional storage device 75. The processing circuitry 73 may be any suitable processor (eg, a microprocessor or group of microprocessors) and other processing circuitry (eg, cache circuitry, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, input / output (I / O) circuitry, etc.). Can be included. The optional storage device 75 may be a memory suitable for storing program guide data or other storage device (eg, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, etc.).

  The continuous data stream processor 71 may obtain program guide data for the continuous data stream using any suitable approach. The main facility 12 may, for example, periodically transmit program guide data for a continuous data stream to a television distribution facility 16 having a continuous data stream processor 71 that may store program guide data. Alternatively, program guide data can be continuously transmitted by the main facility 12 to the television distribution facility 16 and can be distributed by the continuous data stream processor 71. Program guide data may be received by the television distribution facility 16 and provided to the continuous data stream processor 71, or television (eg, if the continuous data stream processor 71 is not located within the television distribution facility 16). It can be received directly by the continuous data stream processor 71 without passing through the distribution facility 16. Alternatively, program guide server 25 may store program guide data in storage device 56 and provide program guide data to continuous data stream processor 71. Program guide server 25 may provide program guide data to continuous data stream processor 71 continuously, periodically, in response to requests from continuous data stream processor 71, using a polling scheme, or other This can be done using any suitable approach.

  If necessary, the continuous data stream processor 71 or the program guide server 25 may localize the program guide data received from the main facility 12. Localization of program guide data is accomplished by extracting program guide data for channels and services provided by a particular television distribution facility 16 and discarding the remaining data. Localization can also make local changes to the data (eg, changing channel names to local channel names, etc.). The continuous data stream processor 71 or the program guide server 25 may store all received data or only locally necessary data (eg, extracted data).

  Alternatively, the continuous data stream processor 71 may continuously filter program guide data that is not subject to localization from the continuous data stream provided by the main facility 12. The continuous data stream processor 71 may also prioritize the program guide data, for example, by assigning a frequency that causes different types of program guide data to circulate in the continuous data stream. The continuous data stream processor 71 obtains program guide data for a continuous data stream (eg, from the main facility 12 or the program guide server 25), assigns priorities to different types of data, and then uses the data for distribution. It is sent to the guide distribution device 21. The distribution device 21 may modulate data on an out-of-band channel, for example, in a cycle according to the assigned priority.

  This interactive program guide obtains program guide data in two different ways. First, program guide data is extracted from the continuous data stream of program guide data by the program guide, and this continuous data stream is transmitted from the television distribution facility 16 to the user television equipment 22 via the communication path 20. In order to reduce the overall bandwidth required for the continuous data stream, the program guide data transmitted as part of the continuous data stream is limited to a subset of the program guide data selected by the continuous data stream processor 71. In particular, the subset of program guide data may be current program guide data (i.e., data related to a currently broadcast program or data scheduled to be broadcast in the next few hours). The continuous data stream is, for example, the channel number or other unique identifier for each channel, the call sign for each channel, the start and end times of the current program on each channel and data, the future number on each channel Individual program start and end times and data, current and future program titles, current and future program ratings, current and future program categories, specific broadcasts of specific programs It may include an associated unique identification number, or any suitable combination of these.

  A continuous data stream carries, for example, program list item data for all channels in the current time slot, all channels in the current time slot and the next few hours, or any other suitable combination of program list items. obtain. The amount of program listing items carried in the continuous data stream depends on the bandwidth allocated to the data stream based on the implemented transmission scheme or the amount of other types of program guide data carried by the continuous data stream. It can be limited.

  Information in a continuous data stream needs to be circulated at a much faster rate so that the latency (preferably just a moment) in accessing any particular data item in the data stream is minimized. If desired, data processing by the program guide can be performed substantially in real time with minimal or no data cache. Even with a significant amount of data cache, there is no need for the program guide to store a significant amount of data from the continuous data stream in the set top box. Moreover, the program guide does not need to maintain a local database of data from the continuous data stream.

  If desired, a hardware filtering circuit can be provided in the user television equipment 22 so that hardware filtering can be used to reduce the processing burden imposed on the program guide. The program guide data for each channel is transmitted as a continuous data stream and may be tagged with a channel identifier, for example. For each channel, the program guide may load the filter register into the user television equipment using the channel ID of interest, so that the user television equipment can stream data for all remaining channels into a continuous data stream. Can be filtered out.

  The program guide can prefetch data from the continuous data stream to minimize the waiting time during data access, thereby reducing the circulation speed of the program guide data. The program guide may prefetch data based on predictions of data that the user may need and timing to perform any function that accesses the continuous data stream. For example, if the user is browsing a program list item, the program guide may prefetch the list item from the continuous data stream for the next time slot for browsing. Program listing items and other information may be prefetched for higher or lower channels, for example, when a user flips a channel. If the program guide provides the user with the ability to tune to the last channel, the program guide may prefetch or cache the fetched information of the most recently tuned channel. For example, if the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to tune to a favorite channel, the program guide may prefetch data from successive data streams of subsequent and previous favorite channels. In yet another suitable approach, the program guide may prefetch program guide data when the user enters a channel number on the remote control 40, for example. For example, if the user enters “2”, the program guide may prefetch data for channels 2, 20-29, 200-299, etc. When the user enters the next digit (eg, “3”), the program guide may prefetch data for channels 23, 230-239, etc. These listed approaches are exemplary only. Prefetching can be performed by the program guide for any function that requires data from a continuous data stream.

  Different types of data in the continuous data stream may be sent at different rates (eg, based on priorities assigned by the continuous data stream processor 71). For example, callsigns and data related to the current program can be repeated twice or more per second, and data related to future programs can be sent on the order of once per second. These repetition rates are exemplary only, and other repetition rates can be used if desired. For example, data related to the current program may be provided at a rate faster than twice per second (eg, 10 times per second, etc.).

  The distribution device 21 preferably distributes a continuous stream of current data out of band to the user television device 22, so that the program guide data is continuously available to the program guide. Alternatively, transmission of program guide data may be done in-band through dedicated analog channels, with vertical blanking periods for multiple analog channels, or by any other suitable approach. When transmission of a continuous data stream is performed in a band through a plurality of channels, the continuous data stream includes, for example, only data associated with a channel transmitting the continuous data stream.

  A continuous data stream may also be transmitted as one or more digital data tracks on one or more digital channels. One suitable approach may multiplex different groups of digital channels into different analog channels and transmit a continuous digital data stream for each group. Another suitable approach may deliver in-band information provided by the programmer (eg, Program and System Information Protocol Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable (PSIP) information, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) system information (SI), etc.). With this approach, the continuous data stream processor 71 can be eliminated.

  It may also be desirable for the television distribution facility 16 to distribute a plurality of continuous data streams. Each continuous data stream may correspond to, for example, a different type or category of program guide data. Each continuous data stream may, for example, carry data that creates a different consumer program guide display screen (eg, one stream may carry a list item for the current time, and one stream may carry a movie list item. Etc.) Also, for example, it may be desirable to deliver a continuous data stream of program list items for each menu option on the main menu screen.

  A second manner in which an interactive program guide implemented in user television equipment 22 obtains program guide data is a manner in which data is obtained from program guide server 25 using client-server technology. The program guide server 25 may store the program guide data in any appropriate format (for example, the format of an SQL database). The interactive program guide, for example, invokes a remote procedure call on the program guide server 25, issues a message or request, or uses communication based on the appropriate object via the communication path 20 (hereinafter these The program guide data can be obtained from the program guide server 25 by collectively calling any appropriate combination “request”. Program guide server 25 may process the request by querying storage device 56 for program guide data that satisfies the request. The program guide server 25 retrieves the requested program guide data from the storage device 56. The distribution device 21 may distribute the retrieved data over one of the communication paths 20 (eg, using an Internet-based addressing scheme) to the particular program guide that generated the request. Alternatively, program guide server 25 may also deliver program guide data directly to user television equipment 22 through communication path 20.

  Program guide server 25 may reduce the time it takes to access program guide data using any suitable approach. The program guide server 25, for example, extracts data necessary for constructing each of the most common program guide display screens in advance in time, and provides the pre-extracted data in response to a request. obtain. The program guide server 25 may also perform any necessary database joins needed to build one or more intermediate tables of program guide data, for example. Thereby, the processing burden of the user television equipment 22 related to such a task is reduced.

  In addition, configuration information and user settings (eg, favorite channel settings and the like) may also be stored by user television equipment 22 or program guide server 25. Frequently accessed settings are preferably stored by the user television equipment 22, but prefetching based on predictions of the user's next likely action by the program guide is also possible.

  FIG. 2 shows an exemplary configuration of user television equipment 22. Receiver 55 receives at the input 26 television programs and data from television distribution facility 16 (FIG. 1). Receiver 55 may be based on any suitable hardware and software that receives program guide data and television programs. During normal television viewing, the tuner 51 of the set-top box 28 tunes to the desired television channel based on user input to the remote control 40. Tuner 51 may be based on any suitable hardware and software that tunes to analog or digital television channels.

Multiple tuners can be provided, but to avoid overcomplicating the drawings,
Only one tuner is shown. When multiple tuners are provided, the user's viewing (or playback) of the program is not disturbed when the program guide obtains the data. For example, if program guide data is provided on a dedicated analog channel in the band, one tuner 51 may tune to one analog channel carrying a television program and another tuner 51 may tune to that dedicated channel. Alternatively, one tuner can be used to access the continuous data stream and another tuner can be used to access the program guide server 25. A program guide system that obtains in-band data using a plurality of tuners is described in, for example, US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 330,860, filed simultaneously with Elis. By using multiple tuners, the program guide can access the program guide data without disturbing the display of the television program.

  When user television equipment 22 has only one tuner 51, when tuner 51 tunes to a separate channel to obtain in-band data (eg, when data is provided on a dedicated channel or the user TV viewing may be disturbed when browsing through) or when obtaining data from the program guide server 25. Thus, when the program guide obtains data that is not carried on the channel in the band that the user is viewing, it provides graphics, audio or video as a continuous data stream that can be displayed or played by the program guide. It is desirable. If the user television equipment 22 has multiple tuners, graphics carried in a continuous data stream while the program guide is obtaining data from, for example, the program guide server 25 or an in-band data stream on another channel; Audio or video can be displayed or played.

  The video output 30 provides a signal for a television channel that the tuner 51 tunes. The signal provided at output 30 is typically either a radio frequency (RF) signal on a predefined channel (eg, channel 3 or 4) or an analog demodulated video signal, but appropriate It may also be a digital signal provided to the television 36 on a digital bus (eg, a bus using the American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394). The video signal at output 30 may be received by an optional second storage device 32.

  The set top box 28 may also include a communication device 27 that transmits the request to the program guide server 25 via the request communication path 70. The communication device 27 sends, for example, a modem (eg, any suitable analog digital telephone dial-up modem or cable modem), a network interface card (eg, an Ethernet card), or a request to the program guide server 25. It can be any other device suitable for. The request communication path 20 is preferably a return path on the communication path 20, but may be a separate appropriate communication path.

  The second storage device 32 may be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device or player (eg, a video cassette recorder, a digital video disc with recording function (DVD) player, etc.). Program recording functions and other functions may be controlled by set top box 28 using control path 34. For example, if the second storage device 32 is a video cassette recorder, a typical control path 34 uses an infrared transmitter coupled to the infrared receiver in the video cassette recorder, which is typically A command from a remote control (for example, remote control 40) is received. The remote control 40 can be used to control the set top box 28, the second storage device 32 and the television 36.

  The interactive television program guide may operate on the set top box 28, the television 36 (if the television 36 has appropriate processing circuitry and memory), or an appropriate analog or digital receiver connected to the television 36. . The interactive television program guide may also operate cooperatively on both the television 36 and the set top box 28. For an interactive television application system in which a cooperative interactive television program guide application runs on multiple devices, see, for example, US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 186,598 filed Nov. 5, 1998 by Ellis. There is a description. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

  If desired, a set top box 28 that includes a digital storage device (eg, digital storage device 31) that allows the user to record programs and program data in digital form may be used. Digital storage device 31 may be a writable optical storage device (eg, a DVD player capable of processing recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (eg, disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device. It can be. An interactive television program guide system having a digital storage device is described, for example, in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 157,256 filed Sep. 17, 1998 by Hassell et al. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

The digital storage device 31 is built in the set top box 28 or
Alternatively, it can be an external device connected to the set top box 28 via an output port and a suitable interface. If necessary, processing circuitry within the set top box 28 can be used to format the received video, audio and data signals into a digital file format. The file format may be an open file format (e.g., the MPEG-2 standard of the moving picture specialized group (MPEG)). The resulting data can be sent to the digital storage device 31 via an appropriate bus (for example, a bus using the American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394). Can be stored.

  The television 36 receives the video signal and the audio signal from the second storage device 32 via the communication path 38. The signal on the communication path 38 may be generated by the second storage device 32 when playing a pre-recorded storage medium (eg, a video cassette or a recordable digital video disc), or a pre-recorded digital medium Can be generated by the digital storage device 31 when being played, sent from the set top box 28, or directly from the set top box 28 to the television 36 if the user television equipment 22 does not include the second storage device 32 Either provided or received directly by the television 36. During normal television viewing, the signal provided to the television 36 corresponds to the desired channel tuned by the user using the set top box 28. These signals can also be provided to the television 36 by the set top box 28 if the set top box 28 is used to reproduce information stored in the digital storage device 31.

  FIG. 3 shows a more generalized embodiment of the user television equipment 22 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, program guide data from the television distribution facility 16 (FIG. 1) is received by the control circuit 42 of the user television equipment 22. Functions of the control circuit 42 (eg, obtaining program guide data from a continuous stream of current program guide data, obtaining program guide data from the program guide server 25, generating a program guide display screen, program recording, etc. ) May be provided using the set top box configuration of FIG. Alternatively, these functions may be incorporated into an advanced television receiver, a personal computer television (PC / TV), a personal computer with a television tuner card, or any other suitable configuration. Combinations of such configurations can be used if desired.

  The control circuit 42 includes any appropriate processor (eg, a microprocessor) and appropriate support circuitry (eg, a cache circuit, a direct memory access (DMA) circuit, an input / output (I / O) circuit, etc.). May be included. The control circuit 42 can include a memory 44. Memory 44 is a memory or other storage device (eg, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive) suitable for storing program guide instructions to be executed by control circuit 42. A combination of such devices). It should be understood that the memory 44 may temporarily cache program guide data, such as when generating a program guide display screen. However, such caching or temporary buffering of data (e.g., data received by memory 44 from a continuous stream of current program guide data, etc.) may occur periodically using memory substantially in another program guide system. It should not be confused with storing a database of program guide data that is refreshed upon download.

  The set top box 28 may also include a communication device 27 that transmits a request to the program guide server 25 via a request communication path 70. The communication device 27 sends, for example, a modem (eg, any suitable analog digital telephone dial-up modem or cable modem), network interface card (eg, Ethernet card) or request to the program guide server 25. It can be any other device suitable for. The request communication path 20 is preferably a return path on the communication path 20, but may be a separate appropriate communication path.

  User television equipment 22 may also have a second storage device 47 and a digital storage device 49 for recording programs. The second storage device 47 can be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device (eg, a video cassette recorder, a digital video disc (DVD) player with recording function, etc.). Program recording functions and other functions may be controlled by the control circuit 42. The digital storage device 49 may be, for example, a writable optical storage device (eg, a DVD player capable of processing recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (eg, disk drive or digital tape), or any other Such a suitable digital storage device.

  A user may control the operation of the user television equipment 22 using the user interface 46. User interface 46 may be a pointing device, wireless remote control, keyboard, dedicated buttons (eg, buttons located on various hardware components, etc.), touch pad, voice recognition system, or any other suitable user input. It can be a device. When watching television, the user may instruct the control circuit 42 to display the desired television channel on the monitor 45. In accessing the program guide function, the user may instruct the program guide to generate a main menu or other desired program guide display screen for display on the monitor 45.

  When the user indicates that he wishes to access the interactive television program guide, for example using the “Menu” key on the remote control 40, the program guide generates an appropriate program guide display screen for display on the monitor 45. To do. A main menu screen (eg, the exemplary main menu screen 100 of FIG. 4) that provides the user with access to various program guide functions may be generated. The main menu screen may also include various advertisements, logos, etc.

  The example main menu screen 100 of FIG. 4 may include a menu 102 of selectable program guide options 106, for example. If desired, program guide options 106 may be classified according to function type. For example, in the menu 102, the program guide options 106 are classified into three columns. The column labeled “TV Guide” is a list item of related functions, and the column labeled “MSO SHOWCASE” is for functions related to multiple service organization (MSO), “Viewer Service”. The column labeled with is for functions related to the viewer. When the user selects a particular program guide function from menu 102, the interactive television program guide may generate a display screen for that program guide function.

Main menu screen 100 may include one or more selectable advertisements 108.
Selectable advertisements 108 may include, for example, text and graphics pay-per-view program advertisements. When the user selects a selectable advertisement 108, the program guide may display information (eg, pay-per-view information, etc.) or take other actions related to the content of the advertisement. If desired, text-only advertisements, such as those illustrated as selectable advertisement banners 110, may also be presented.

  The main menu screen 100 may also include other screen components. For example, a product brand logo graphic (eg, product brand logo graphic 112, etc.) may be used to indicate the brand of the program guide product. For example, the service provider logo graphic (eg, service provider logo graphic 114, etc.) may be used to present the identity of the television service provider. The current time can be displayed in the time display area 116. In addition, if the program guide supports messaging functionality, an appropriate indicator (eg, indicator graphic 118, etc.) can be used to indicate to the user that there is a message from the cable operator.

  One function of the interactive television program guide may be to provide the user with an opportunity to view television program listings. The user may indicate that he / she wishes to view the program listing, for example by positioning the highlight area 120 on the desired program guide option. Alternatively, when the user presses an appropriate key on the remote control 40 (eg, a “Guide” key, etc.), the program guide may present a program listing item. When the user indicates that he wants to watch a television program listing, the program guide obtains the program listing item data from the continuous data stream or upon request from the server 25 and displays an appropriate program listing item screen on the monitor 45. Can be generated as The program list item screen may include a list of one or more program list items classified according to one or more classification criteria (eg, by program category, etc.).

  The program listing item screen may be overlaid on the program that the user is currently viewing or on a portion of the program in “browse” mode. The program guide provides the user with an opportunity to watch list items by time and channel according to multiple categories (eg, movies, sports kids, etc.), or the user searches the list items by title It may be possible to do. The display of program listings can be done using any suitable list, table, grid or other suitable display configuration. If desired, the program listing item display screen may include selectable advertisements, product brand logo graphics, service provider brand graphics, time of day, or any other suitable indicator or graphic.

  FIGS. 5a and 5b show how program list items are displayed by time and by channel, respectively. The program list item display screens 130 and 135 of FIGS. 5 a and 5 b may include a highlight area 151 that highlights the current program list item 150. The user can position the highlight area 151 by entering an appropriate command using the user interface device 52. For example, if the user input interface device 52 has a keypad, the user can position the highlight area 151 using the “up”, “down”, “left” and “right” arrow keys. Remote program listings can also be panned up, down, left and right by positioning the highlight area 151 using the arrow keys on the remote control 40. Alternatively, a touch-sensitive screen, trackball, voice recognition device or other suitable device can be used to move the highlight area 151 or select program listings without using the highlight area 151. In yet another approach, the user may utter a television program listing to the voice request recognition system. These program list item selection methods are exemplary only, and any other suitable approach for selecting program list items may be used if desired.

  The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to view program listings at another time or channel. The user may change the time slot, for example using the “left” arrow key and the “right” arrow key (when program listings are presented by time as shown in FIG. 5a) or “left” arrow Use the key and the “Right” arrow key to change the channel (when program listings are presented by channel as shown in FIG. 5b) to indicate that you want to access another time or channel listing. Can show. In response to such an indication, the program guide may, for example, scroll or page the program list items to display additional program list items.

  The program guide uses a continuous stream of current program guide data as a low-latency source of current program listings and other frequently requested information. The program guide uses the server 25 to supply the data upon request (typically when the need for data is not so urgent). The program guide may, for example, retrieve program listing item data from a continuous data stream whenever the retrieved data relates to the current program (ie, a program that is currently being broadcast or a program that is scheduled to be broadcast in the next few hours). .

  If desired, the program guide may be configured to recognize the type of program guide data carried in the data stream (eg, based on attribute fields in the continuous data stream). If the program guide has the ability to recognize data in a continuous data stream, the program guide will retrieve data from the continuous data stream (either before or simultaneously when the program guide attempts to request data from the server 25). Can be configured to always try (at timing). The program guide may obtain data from the continuous data stream or program guide server 25 based on when a particular program guide function is accessed. These examples are exemplary only, and the program guide may use the above and other suitable techniques for accessing data in the continuous data stream and requesting data from the server 25.

  As described above, the program guide can be programmed to always retrieve the TV program listings for the current time of the day from the continuous data stream. This can occur, for example, in response to a user indicating that they want to access a program listing (eg, by selecting a “by hour” function from the main menu screen 100). The user indicated that he would like to see program list items at times other than the current time of the day (for example, using the remote control arrow keys to select a program list item whose time or number of days is ahead) If so, the program guide may generate a request to obtain these program listings and send the request to the program guide server 25 via the communication path 20. If desired, the program guide may also prefetch program listings for other time slots from the continuous data stream or program guide server 25.

  Once the user has selected a program listing item, the interactive program guide may provide the user with access to a plurality of program guide functions associated with the selected listing item. The program guide may provide the user with additional program information about program listings, for example. This allows the user to access additional program information (eg, by positioning highlight area 151 (FIGS. 5a and 5b) on list item 150 and pressing the “Information” key on remote control 40). Can be done in response to indicating that.

  The program guide may obtain additional program information by requesting more program information from the program guide server 25. The program guide makes such a request, for example, every time the program guide determines that no further program guide information is included in the continuous data stream, or the program guide retrieves all further program information from the program guide server 25. This is the case when it is configured to obtain automatically. In practice, additional program information (at least additional program information for programs other than the current program) is preferably not included in the continuous data stream due to bandwidth constraints. Additional program information about a list item or group of list items, for example, when a user highlights a particular program list item, when a program guide displays a list item on the display screen, or in response to any other suitable event Then, it can be prefetched from the program guide server 25.

  The program guide may generate additional program information screens after obtaining additional program information from the continuous data stream or program guide server 25. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary further program information screen 161. Similar to other program guide display screens, the additional program information screen 161 may include selectable advertisements, service provider logos, brand logos, email indicators, and time areas. The further program information screen 161 may also include a program information window 162 that displays additional program information retrieved by the program guide. If the portion of additional program information extends below the bottom of the program information window 162, the user may scroll through the additional program information using, for example, remote control arrow keys.

  The program guide may display program list items categorized by category. In practice, such a function requires the program guide to obtain program list item data from the program guide server 25. This is because, when the category information of the program list item is included in the continuous data stream, a very large bandwidth is required, and when the program list item is sorted based on the category attribute, the user television equipment 22 is desired. This is because a processing burden that is heavier than the processing burden can be applied.

  For example, if the user selects “Movies”, “Sports” or “For Kids” from the selectable program guide options 106 in the main menu 102 (FIG. 4), the program guide will display program listing items of the appropriate category in the program guide A request for referring to the server 25 may be issued to the program guide server 25. Alternatively, if the program list item in the continuous data stream has category information, the program guide filters the program list item from this continuous data stream based on the appropriate category, and adds further list items in that category. It can be taken out from the program guide server 25.

  FIG. 7 shows an exemplary screen 180 showing program listing items by category, displaying program listings related to movies. The category-specific program list item screen 180 may be generated by the program guide, for example, when the user selects “movie” from the selectable function 106 of FIG. A similar program category listing item screen 180 may be generated by the program guide, where the sorting of the program listing items is done in any suitable category.

  The program listing item screen 180 by category may include, for example, selectable advertisements, service provider logos, brand logos, advertisement banners, email indicators, and time areas. Program listing items for the selected category may be displayed in list 182. The program guide may also provide the user with access to additional functions associated with that particular list item, for example, when the user selects a particular list item. The user may view program listings for additional time slots or channels on screen 180, such as by manipulating the display using a remote control arrow key.

  The interactive program guide may allow a user to view program listings while watching a television program, for example by overlaying a “flip” display region or a “browse” display region on the television program. FIG. 8a shows an exemplary flip display 200 that the program guide may display each time the user changes the television channel. The flip display may include information related to the current program (eg, program title 210, airtime 215, current channel number 216, current channel call sign 225, etc.). The flip display may also include multiple graphics (eg, brand logo 230, advertiser graphic, channel logo graphic, email indicator or any other suitable graphic, etc.). The rating of the program can also be displayed. If desired, the brand logo 230 can be replaced or shared with selectable information icons. The user may select this selectable information icon to obtain additional program information regarding the program currently displayed on the flip display 200.

  Flip display 200 may also include a rating indicator 227 that indicates the rating of the current program. Rating information may be carried in a continuous data stream. When the program guide provides a viewing restriction function, the program guide examines the rating of the program on each channel that is newly tuned by the user and determines whether the program meets the viewing restriction setting previously determined by the user. obtain. If the program rating is unacceptable, the program guide may display only a flip banner with no program video, for example.

  FIG. 8b shows an exemplary “browse” overlay or display that the program guide may display if the user chooses to browse program listings for a given time slot. A user may browse program listings by using, for example, remote control arrow keys.

  The flip overlay and browse overlay of FIGS. 8a and 8b are illustrated as including a brand logo display on the left side of the overlay. This logo may also promote different sponsors, for example, when a user browses program listings or flips between channels. These logos may change within the same overlay or banner if the user displays the overlay or banner for a predefined time. The logo can, for example, automatically circulate through a logo advertisement list and return to the first advertisement after each advertisement in the list has been displayed. Brand logos can also be replaced with text-based advertisements.

  Program listing item data for flip overlay can be obtained from the continuous data stream by the program guide when the user changes channels. Program list item data for browse overlay can also be obtained from the continuous data stream by the program guide, but the program list item data that the user is not carrying in the continuous data stream (eg, programs related to programs not included in the current time slot) The program guide server 25 can also obtain the list item or the program guide item 25 if it indicates a desire to view the program item. If desired, for example, when displaying flip information, when the user indicates a desire to enter browse mode, or in response to any other appropriate event, the program listing item data of the adjacent time slot is displayed in the program guide. It can be prefetched from the server 25.

  A program guide may provide functionality including various real-time actions related to the broadcast of a particular program or series. For example, a program guide may allow a user to set a reminder, order a pay-per-view program, record a program, lock and unlock a program, and so on. These functions include actions performed by the program guide in cooperation with the program being broadcast. For example, a program guide reminder function may allow a user to set a reminder for a program that will be broadcast soon. Just before the broadcast time of the program, the program guide displays a reminder on the user's television. The reminder alerts the user that the program is about to start. Therefore, the program guide action for displaying the program reminder needs to be coordinated with the broadcast of the program.

  If all program broadcasts occur at scheduled broadcast times, the program guide need only rely on program listing item data provided to the program guide that identifies the broadcast time of each program. However, the program may not be broadcast as scheduled, and such a situation may occur, for example, when the broadcast of a sports event preceding a given television program is extended beyond the schedule.

  Each program broadcast time can be assigned a unique identifier in order to accommodate an unexpected shift in the broadcast time of a particular program. The identifier may be assigned in the main facility 12 and distributed by the distribution device 21, for example. The unique identifier may also be assigned to a program grouping (eg, a series, mini-series, orderable program package, or other suitable grouping of programs, etc.). An identifier associated with each program or program grouping may be provided to the program guide along with program listing item data. When the user sets a reminder or uses other similar functions, the program guide may store the identifier in memory in user television equipment 22. Each unique identifier is placed in the continuous data stream at an appropriate timing (eg, before or during the broadcast of the program). Therefore, the program guide monitors the stream and determines in real time whether a specific program (for example, a single program with a reminder set or one program in a program grouped program) is being broadcast. Can do. Even when the broadcast time of a program is shifted, the reminder function notifies the user at an appropriate time (that is, immediately before the broadcast of the program).

  The transmission of the unique identifier in the data stream can be performed, for example, at the start of the program, at the end of the program, or continuously during the program. When the broadcast schedule is changed, the unique identifier for the program whose broadcast time has changed can be transmitted at the appropriate time, thereby reflecting the change of the broadcast time. Thus, rescheduling of the selected program can be performed at a different time, date or channel, and the associated action can also be accurately performed by the program guide.

  When a user first accesses a program guide function that includes a real-time action associated with a program or series (eg, when the user of the program guide sets a reminder or the like), the program guide is a continuous data A unique identifier may be retrieved from the stream (if such an identifier is available) or a unique identifier may be requested from the program guide server 25. The identifier is then stored locally on the user television equipment for future comparison with the identifier provided in the continuous stream of current data.

  The program guide may maintain a list of future actions on the user television equipment 22. A list of future actions is preferably maintained in memory (eg, memory 44 in control circuit 42 of user television equipment 22 (FIG. 3), etc.). The program guide may store the unique identifier and the requested associated action in this list. The program guide may monitor the continuous data stream for a unique identifier and take action if it finds a unique identifier associated with the listed action in the continuous data stream. If the unique identifier is for a series program, the program guide performs the listed actions each time a program in that series is broadcast. The program guide may ignore identifiers that appear in the continuous data stream that do not match the actions in the list. In addition, the program guide may allow an action to expire and remove an expired action from the list if an identifier associated with the action cannot be detected in the continuous data stream within a predefined time period.

  One function that may include real-time actions associated with a television program is a reminder function. The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to set program reminders to be displayed at, for example, the start time of the program. The program guide may be used whenever a user is interested in a future program (eg, by pressing an input key on a remote control after highlighting a future program listing) or in response to any other appropriate event. , May provide the user with an opportunity to set a reminder. The user may indicate that he / she wishes to set a program reminder, for example, by pressing a “Remind” button on the remote control 40.

  When the user indicates that he wants to set a program reminder (eg, by highlighting a list item in the program list item screen 130 or 135 and pressing a “remind” key on the remote control 40), the program guide will: An appropriate reminder overlay can be generated. FIG. 9 a shows an exemplary overlay 300. The program guide may prompt the user to set a reminder, for example, provide the user with an opportunity to select a “Yes” button 305 to set a reminder or a “No” button 307 to cancel.

  If the user attempts to set a reminder for a program or series for which a reminder has already been set, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to cancel the reminder, for example by displaying the reminder confirmation overlay 310 of FIG. 9b. obtain. When the user deletes the reminder, the program guide may delete the unique identifier and associated reminder for the selected broadcast from the local action list.

  When the program guide detects a unique identifier for a program for which a reminder is set in the continuous data stream, the program guide checks a local list of real-time action schedules, and the associated action includes a display of the reminder reminder Judge that. The program guide then displays a reminder for that program. Multiple reminders can be displayed simultaneously if desired. In addition, the program guide may prefetch program listing item data and additional program data for a program or program group from a continuous data stream or program guide server 25, for example, when a reminder is displayed.

  The program guide may also provide users with an opportunity to set reminders for grouped programs. For example, if the user wishes to receive a reminder for the series whenever an episode in the series “Mad About You” is broadcast, the user may use any suitable approach to You can set a reminder for. Reminder lists for grouped programs and associated display screens are described, for example, in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 330,792 by Knudson et al. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference.

  In response to the user's intention to set a reminder for the grouped program, the program guide may store the grouped program identifier in a list of real-time actions. In this embodiment, the program guide stores the grouped program identifier for the series “Mad About You” in the list of reminders.

  Each time an episode in the series “Mad About You” is broadcast, a grouped program identifier for that series is placed in the continuous data stream. This identifier may be provided continuously by the main facility 12 and sent from the continuous data stream processor 71 to the distribution device 21, for example.

  The program guide may monitor the continuous data stream and compare the identifier in the continuous data stream with the identifier in the list of real-time actions. When an identifier for a grouped program (in this example, a grouped program identifier for the series “Mad About You”) is found, the program guide performs the associated real-time action (eg, displaying a reminder).

  FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show an exemplary program reminder list 320. In FIG. 10a, a reminder list 320 is overlaid on the currently displayed television program, thereby providing the user with an opportunity to view the reminder while viewing a portion of the television program that the user is watching. FIG. 10b shows a state in which the reminder list 320 is overlaid on the program list item display screen (for example, the program list item display screen 130 of FIG. 5a). The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to scroll through the reminder list 320, for example by using the arrow keys on the remote control.

  Another example of real-time action that a program guide can take is authentication of viewing a pay-per-view program. The program guide may authenticate viewing upon detection of the desired pay-per-view program identifier in the continuous data stream, thereby avoiding errors such as when the broadcast schedule is deviated. If the user selects a pay-per-view program listing from the list items, if the user tunes to an unordered pay-per-view channel and presses the “order” key (or other appropriate key) on the remote control 40, or any In response to other appropriate events, the program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to order a pay-per-view program.

  The program guide may, for example, respond to a user selecting the “PPV time” function 106 (FIG. 4) of the main menu 102 (eg, the exemplary pay-per-view program list item of FIG. 11a). Display screen 350 etc.) may be displayed. Similar to the program list item display screens 130 and 135 of FIGS. 5a and 5b, the pay-per-view program list item screen 350 may include selectable advertisements, service provider logos, brand logos, email indicators, time zones, and the like. When the user presses an arrow key on the remote control, the program guide may display a list of pay-per-view programs in other time slots and additional channels. The program guide may obtain the pay-per-view program list item data displayed on the pay-per-view program list item screen 350 from the continuous data stream or the program guide server 25. As with list items that are not pay-per-view programs, currently available pay-per-view programs and data for pay-per-view programs that will be available in the next few hours may also be provided in a continuous data stream. Data related to pay-per-view programs that will be broadcast long after is made available upon request from the server 25.

  The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to order a pay-per-view program for the selected list item. FIG. 11 b shows an exemplary pay-per-view order overlay 370. For example, the program guide may display a pay-per-view order overlay 370 when the user highlights a pay-per-view program listing and presses an “order” key on the remote control 40 or other appropriate key. Pay-per-view order overlay 370 may display pay-per-view program information 372 and order information 374 and prompt the user to order the selected pay-per-view program by entering a purchase code. The user may enter a purchase code using, for example, a numeric key on the remote control 40 or may cancel the purchase by selecting a “Cancel” button 376 and return to the previous screen. The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to confirm the pay-per-view order using the example order confirmation overlay 380 of FIG. 11c. If desired, the program guide may display the order confirmation overlay 380 of FIG. 11c instead of the pay-per-view order overlay 370 to provide the user with an opportunity to order a pay-per-view program without requiring a purchase code.

  When the program guide retrieves list item data from either the continuous data stream or the program guide server 25, it may obtain a unique identifier for a particular broadcast of the selected pay-per-view program. In other cases, the program guide may query the program guide server 25 at this point to obtain a unique identifier. The program guide may search a locally maintained list of future actions for that identifier to determine whether the selected pay-per-view program has been ordered. As shown in FIG. 11d, the program guide may indicate to the user that a pay-per-view program has already been ordered, and may provide the user with an opportunity to cancel the current order, for example, by displaying an overlay 390.

  The program guide may also search the continuous data stream for the unique identifier of the selected pay-per-view program to determine if the selected program is airing when the user is placing an order. As shown in FIG. 11e, the program guide may indicate to the user that the program is being broadcast, such as by displaying an overlay 395, and provide the user with an opportunity to cancel the order.

  After the pay-per-view program is ordered, the program guide will provide a unique identifier for the pay-per-view program and the associated action (ie, authorization for the pay-per-view program), and a list of such actions (ie, the order pay-per-view program to be certified). List). While a user is watching television or using a program guide, the program guide may monitor the continuous data stream for a unique identifier and compare the received identifier to the identifier in the list. For example, when the pay-per-view program starts, when the program guide receives an identifier for the ordered pay-per-view program, the program guide may indicate to the user that the pay-per-view program will start. The program guide, for example, overlays a window or banner on the television program that the user is watching as shown in FIG. 12a, or a banner on the program guide display screen that the user is accessing as shown in FIG. 12b. Or you can overlay the window. The program guide may provide the user with an opportunity to tune to a pay-per-view program, for example by selecting the “Yes” button 400 of FIGS. 12a and 12b. If desired, the program guide may prefetch program listing item data or additional program data for pay-per-view programs from the continuous data stream or program guide server 25 when the window or banner is displayed.

  There may be a case where the user does not use the user television equipment 22 within a period in which the ordered pay-per-view program is broadcast. The program guide may delete such entries after a predefined period of time has elapsed. The program guide may also indicate to the user that the user has missed the ordered pay-per-view program. The program guide may, for example, periodically check a list of ordered pay-per-view programs (eg, every few minutes) and compare the stored identifiers with unique identifiers carried in a continuous data stream. The identifier may include, for example, a date and time component, or may be sequentially numbered based on the number of times the program has been broadcast. The program guide may compare the identifiers carried in the continuous data stream with the identifiers in the ordered program list to determine whether any program in the list has already been viewed.

  The program guide may indicate to the user that an action such as authentication of a scheduled pay-per-view program is no longer current, for example by displaying an overlay or window on the television program display screen or program guide display screen. FIGS. 13a and 13b show exemplary windows 410 that are overlaid on the television program and program guide display screen, respectively, to display the pay-per-view programs that were not watched and want to re-reserve this program. Encourage users to express their intention. The user may re-reserve pay-per-view programs that were not viewed, for example, by selecting a “Yes” button 415. The program guide, for example, inquires the program guide server 25 (FIG. 1) for the next broadcast of the program, and an action list (ie, future reminder, future pay-per-view authentication, etc.) with a unique identifier for the next broadcast of the program. The pay-per-view program can be re-reserved by storing it with the associated action code in the list.

  The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to order a pay-per-view program package. For a program guide system that provides users with the opportunity to purchase pay-per-view program packages and exemplary display screens, see, for example, US Patent Application No. 08 / 944,153, filed Oct. 6, 1997, by Knudson et al. There is a description in the issue. The entire application is incorporated herein by reference. The program guide may authenticate viewing of the pay-per-view package in a manner similar to the manner of authorizing viewing of the program. In response to the user's intention to order a pay-per-view package, the program guide displays an identifier and associated action (ie, authentication of the pay-per-view program package) with a list of such actions (ie, the order pay-per-view to be authenticated). A list of programs).

  Each time a pay-per-view program in a package becomes available, an identifier for that package is sent in a continuous data stream. While the user is watching television or using the program guide, the program guide may monitor the continuous data stream and compare the received identifiers to the identifiers in the list. Once the unique identifier for the package is sent, the program guide may inform the user that one of the ordered programs will start.

  In another suitable approach, the program guide may store a unique identifier for each program in the package in a list. Each time a program in the package becomes available, a unique identifier for that program is transmitted in a continuous data stream. The program guide receives unique identifiers for each program when the program is aired and compares these identifiers to a list to allow airing or another function (e.g., indicating that the program starts, Indicating that the program has been aired).

  The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to record the program. FIGS. 14a and 14b show an exemplary overlay that the program guide may display in response to a user's intention to record a program. FIG. 14a may be displayed, for example, when the user indicates that he / she wants to record the program being viewed (eg, by pressing the “Record” key on the remote control 40). FIG. 14b shows a program list item display when, for example, the user highlights a list item (for example, by pressing the “record” key on the remote control 40) and intends to record the list item. Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary overlay that may be overlaid on the screen. This overlay may prompt the user to confirm the recording. The manner in which users are given the opportunity to record these programs is exemplary only, and any other suitable approach may be used.

  After the user has indicated that he / she wants to record the program and, if desired, confirms the recording, the program guide provides the program identifier and associated action (ie, program recording) with a list of such actions (ie, program recording). , A list of programs to be recorded). The program guide may also provide the user with an opportunity to record the grouped program and store an identifier for the grouped program if the user indicates an intention to record the grouped program. The program guide may then monitor the continuous data stream for a unique identifier. If desired, the program guide may perform continuous data stream monitoring in a power save mode. If a unique identifier for a program or grouped program is transmitted in a continuous data stream, the program guide may identify the program or grouped program as a digital storage device 31 or 49 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively), or Recording may be on a second storage device 32 or 47 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively).

  Another example of a real-time action that a program guide can take is to lock the program and request a viewing restriction code when the user attempts to view a locked program (or program guide data for the program). Locking a program includes locking all broadcasts of a particular program and locking all broadcasts of programs in a grouped program. FIG. 15a shows an exemplary viewing restriction overlay 1500, where the program guide may display this viewing restriction overlay 1500 in response to a user's intention to lock the program. FIG. 15a shows an overlay 1500 overlaid on the program list item screen. The program guide may also display an overlay 1500 on the program that the user is watching.

  The user may indicate an intention to lock the program by, for example, highlighting the list item of the program that he wants to lock and pressing the “lock” key or remote control 40. In response, the program guide may display the overlay 1500 and provide the user with an opportunity to lock the program, for example, by title, rating, channel, or any other suitable criteria. Locking by title includes, for example, locking all broadcasts of a particular program and locking all broadcasts of programs in a grouped program. In response to a program lock by the user, the program guide may save the locked program identifier and associated action (ie, lock program) in a list of such actions (ie, a list of locked programs). . For programs that are locked by title, the program guide may, for example, store the identifiers of grouped programs (eg, series) in a list of related actions.

  When the user tunes to a program, the program guide may obtain a unique identifier for that program (or its grouping) and compare the obtained identifier with the identifiers in the identifier list. If an identifier for that program (or its grouping) is present in the list, the program guide may determine whether the associated real-time action is, for example, a program lock. If the program guide determines that the program is locked, it may display a viewing restriction overlay 1510. When the user enters the appropriate viewing restriction code, the program guide may remove the program's unique identifier from the list and display the program. Alternatively, the program guide may leave the identifier in the list intact (eg, if the identifier is an identifier for a grouped program) and allow the user to view the current broadcast.

  FIG. 15b shows an exemplary viewing restriction overlay 1510 that may be displayed by the program guide when the user indicates an intention to access a program that is locked for viewing. FIG. 15b shows an overlay 1510 that the user can tune to (eg, flip a channel as shown, tune from browse overlay to channel, or channel from another program guide display screen). Etc.) may be displayed when tuning to a locked program.

  The program guide may also display a viewing restriction overlay 1510 if the user indicates an intention to access program guide data for a locked program. When the user indicates an intention to access the program guide data from either the continuous data stream or the program guide server 25, the program guide obtains the identifier of the program (or grouping) and uses the identifier in the identifier list. The user may be prompted to enter a viewing restriction code.

  16-18 are flowcharts of exemplary steps in operating the interactive program guide system of the present invention. The steps shown in FIGS. 16-18 are exemplary and may be combined and performed in any suitable order.

  FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary process for obtaining program guide data using a program guide. In step 500, program guide data is received from the main facility 12 to the television distribution facility 16. The first component of the program guide data is distributed over the communication path 20 by the television distribution facility 16 to each program guide implemented in the user television equipment 22 (step 510). This first component of program guide data is delivered, for example, in a program guide list item data for the current date time, a unique identifier for the broadcast of the program for the current date time, and a continuous stream of current data Any other program guide data that may be played.

  The first component of the program guide data may be transmitted as a continuous data stream using suitable transmission techniques, for example, in a television channel sideband, as a television channel vertical blanking period, as a dedicated analog channel It can be transmitted on a digital channel, across multiple analog channels or digital channels, or by any other suitable data transmission technique.

  In step 520, the program guide server 25 stores the second component of the program guide data in the television distribution facility 16. If desired, program guide server 25 may be used to store a copy of the information contained in the continuous data stream.

  In steps 530 and 540, the program guide obtains program guide data from the continuous data stream and program guide server 25, respectively. The program guide may be pre-programmed to obtain certain types of data from the continuous data stream and other types of data from the program guide server 25, for example. Alternatively, the continuous program guide data stream may also include attributes shown in the program guide for the type of data included in the data stream. Steps 530 and 540 may be performed in any suitable order, simultaneously, or when the program guide prefetches data.

  If one of these two delivery mechanism links does not work properly, the program guide may temporarily use only one delivery mechanism. If a link that supports server communication fails, the program guide may temporarily operate using only a continuous data stream. Only access to the current program listing (or listing within the next few hours) is provided. If a link that supports a continuous data stream fails, the program guide may temporarily operate using only the server link (albeit with increased latency to access current data).

  Steps 545, 550 and 555 are exemplary steps in obtaining program guide data from the program guide server 25 using the program guide. In step 545, the program guide may request program guide data from the program guide server 25. As described above, the request issued by the program guide may include any suitable remote procedure call, message, request, object-based communication, or any other suitable request. In step 550, the program guide server 25 may process the request and send the requested data to the program guide over the communication path 20 (step 555).

  FIG. 17 illustrates the steps involved in providing program listing item data and additional program information to a user using a program guide. In steps 600 and 610, the program guide is used to obtain program listing item data from the continuous data stream and program guide server 25. Steps 600 and 610 may be performed in any suitable order, simultaneously, or when the program guide is prefetching data.

  In step 620, the program guide displays program listing item data for the user on the user television equipment 22. This step includes displaying current program listing item data obtained from a continuous data stream of current data for that channel being flipped, eg, in response to a user tuning to a given channel. (Step 625). For example, if the user indicates an intention to browse additional program listings at the current time or within the next few hours, the program guide may display program listings obtained from the current data stream in a browse display. . If the user indicates an intention to browse further program listings in a time slot after the next few hours, at step 630, the program guide may display program listings obtained from the program guide server 25 in a browse display. . Program list items obtained from the continuous data stream may also be displayed in the program list item screen (step 633). Program list items obtained from the program guide server 25 (for example, program list items relating to programs of a specific category after the next several hours) may be displayed on the program list item screen by appropriate category by the program guide (steps). 635).

  At step 630, the program guide may obtain additional program information from the program guide server 25 for programs whose titles and other basic information are included in the program listing (obtained from the continuous data stream). This step can be performed by the program guide, for example, when the user selects a program list item in the program list item screen. In step 650, these additional program information obtained from program guide server 25 may be displayed on user television equipment 22 for the user by the program guide.

  FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary steps in performing real-time actions related to program broadcast using a program guide. The program guide provides the user with an opportunity to access program guide functions including airing programs or performing real-time actions related to program series or other grouped programs (eg, mini-series, orderable packages, etc.). obtain. Examples of such functions and actions include recording (this real-time action is an act of starting program recording), setting a reminder (this real-time action displays a reminder immediately before the desired program is broadcast) Pre-pay-per-view purchases (this real-time action is to authenticate the program when the purchased program is broadcast), viewing restrictions (this real-time action is to broadcast a specific program) The program is locked or unlocked). In step 700, the program guide may obtain a unique identifier for the broadcast of one program, or a series, mini-series, orderable package or other grouping program. As shown in steps 705 and 710, the unique identifier may be obtained from the continuous data stream or program guide server 25, respectively. The unique identifier may be obtained by the program guide, for example, when program listing item information for a program is obtained.

  At step 720, the unique identifier and associated real-time action (eg, in a list of future actions) is stored by the program guide. A unique identifier for airing a program or grouped program may be transmitted by the television distribution facility 16 as part of a continuous data stream. At step 730, the program guide monitors the continuous data stream for a unique identifier (eg, in a list form of future actions or other suitable data structure) stored on the user television equipment 22 by the program guide. obtain. In step 740, the program guide performs the associated real-time action if a unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream. These real-time actions may include, for example, displaying a program reminder, authenticating viewing of a pay-per-view program, notifying the user that pay-per-view has started, recording a program, locking a program, and requesting a viewing restriction code.

  Figures 19a to 19c show exemplary data flow diagrams of three embodiments of the interactive program guide system of the present invention, in which the program guide is based on identifiers transmitted in a continuous data stream. Perform real-time actions. In the data flow diagram of FIG. 19a, the identifier and current program guide data are obtained by the program guide from the continuous data stream transmitted by the distribution device 21. The program guide may also obtain program guide data by generating a request that is processed by the program guide server 25. In this approach, the program guide does not store program guide data except for a short time when the data is used for display or prefetching. With this approach, program guide data is not stored in the database, so the memory requirements of the user television equipment 22 can be minimized.

  In the configuration of FIG. 19 b, the program guide obtains program guide data and an identifier from the distribution device 21. The identifier is transmitted by the distribution device 21 in a continuous data stream. However, the program guide data may be obtained by the program guide from the data stream transmitted by the distribution device 21 or from the program guide server 25. Transmission of program guide data may be performed by the distribution device 21 in a continuous data stream, periodically, or using an appropriate hybrid approach. For example, frequently required data can be transmitted continuously, and less needed data can be transmitted periodically. Alternatively, frequently needed data can be transmitted periodically at high frequencies, and less needed data can be transmitted periodically at low frequencies. In yet another suitable approach, all data can be transmitted continuously, but the circulation rate of some data can be changed based on the required frequency of the data.

  Program guide data obtained from either the data stream provided by the distribution device 21 or the program guide server 25 is stored in the program guide database 79 by the program guide. With this approach, user television equipment 22 (FIG. 1) may have a memory for storing database 79. Database 79 preferably includes program guide data for the current time slot and program guide data frequently required by the program guide. If desired, program guide server 25 may be used by the program guide as an auxiliary data source for data stored in database 79, for example. This approach requires less memory than a system that stores significant components of available program guide data by the program guide. In addition, since frequently required data is held in a relatively small database, system latency can be minimized.

  FIG. 19c shows an exemplary data flow diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the program guide obtains program guide data only from the program guide server 25. The identifier is obtained from the continuous data stream transmitted by the distribution device 21. This approach allows the program guide server 25 to withstand all the processing and storage burdens associated with maintaining the database of program guide data, and the program guide to perform real-time actions at an appropriate timing even if the reservation changes. May be possible.

  The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (6)

An interactive television program guide system, wherein program guide data is provided to an interactive television program guide implemented in user television equipment, the program guide data including a unique identifier associated with the television program, the system comprising: ,
A means for selecting a specific unique identifier associated with a specific television program and included in the continuous data stream, wherein the specific television program belongs to a program group Means, and
Means for delivering the particular unique identifier in the continuous data stream to the user television equipment only if the particular television program is currently being broadcast;
Means for monitoring the continuous data stream for the specific unique identifier, wherein the detection of the specific unique identifier indicates when the specific television program is currently being broadcast; Means,
Means for performing real-time actions associated with the particular television program if the particular unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream;
Means for performing an action associated with at least one other television program belonging to the program group if the specific unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream.   The real-time action displays a program reminder for the specific program, authenticates the viewing of the specific program, records the specific program, locks the specific program, and controls the user The system of claim 1, selected from the group consisting of prompting codes.   The system of claim 1, wherein the means for performing the real-time action comprises means for prefetching current program guide data from the continuous data stream when the real-time action is performed. A method in an interactive television program guide system, wherein program guide data is provided to an interactive television program guide implemented in user television equipment, the program guide data including a unique identifier associated with the television program comprising: The method is
Selecting a particular unique identifier associated with a particular television program that is included in a continuous data stream, wherein the particular television program belongs to a program group And that
Delivering the particular unique identifier in the continuous data stream to the user television equipment only if the particular television program is currently being broadcast;
Monitoring the continuous data stream for the presence of the specific unique identifier, wherein the presence of the specific unique identifier means that the specific program is currently being broadcast. Showing a certain case,
Performing a real-time action associated with the particular television program if the particular unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream;
Performing an action associated with at least one other television program belonging to the program group if the specific unique identifier is detected in the continuous data stream.   The real-time action displays a program reminder for the specific program, authenticates the viewing of the specific program, records the specific program, locks the specific program, and controls the user The method of claim 4, wherein the method is selected from a group consisting of prompting codes.   5. The method of claim 4, further comprising prefetching current program guide data from the continuous data stream using the interactive television program guide when the real-time action is performed.

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